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Police officers went to the Pick ‘N Save parking lot at 1818 W. National Ave. on Sunday to investigate a fire. A caller told police approximately 20 black males were seen leaving the area after a vehicle was set on fire. The caller further indicated that some of the individuals fled eastbound.

While driving to the fire, a police officer noticed a black male, who was wearing a blue T-shirt and blue jeans, and carrying a dark backpack, walking eastbound on National Avenue in the 1800 block. As the police drove past, the individual allegedly lifted both his middle fingers and yelled obscenities.

When police arrived at the convenience store, they found a dark Ford Econoline E150 van parked on the north end of the Pick ‘N Save parking lot fully engulfed in flames. The police were unable to determine if the vehicle was occupied and contacted the Milwaukee Fire Department.

While waiting for the firefighters to arrive, the police searched for the individuals seen leaving the area, locating one matching the description of the man who had flipped off officers and yelled obscenities. When police saw the man, he fled on foot.

The man, Dale Folley, admitted to helping break the glass out of the vehicle and throwing a burning napkin into the car, according to the police report. Folley said the van started to smoke and eventually began burning intensely, the report states.

After taking a photo of the burning van with his cellphone, the report says Folley fled and was later arrested by police.

Folley could receive up to a $10,000 fine and 3 1/2 years in jail if he is found guilty of the charges leveled against him.